Bridge Constructor is a game where players construct bridges (go figure). I enjoyed the game but I wish there were more in-depth tutorials or lessons.

The player builds bridges out of various materials including wood, steel, cables, and concrete. On any given level, a different set of materials is available to the player. For each level, there's a budget that must be met. Certain materials (like steel and concrete) cost quite a bit of money, while wood is always fairly cheap. Once a bridge is constructed, the player can choose to send either cars or trucks over their creation. Trucks have added weight, obviously, so it puts more strain on the players bridges. If a player builds a bridge that trucks can get across, they receive bonus points for completing the level. The trucks are what give the game a replay value. Once the player beats all of the islands (the game is split into islands as sets of levels), they can go by and try to move trucks over every level.

The game is quite challenging. For me, it's a ton of trial and error. I don't know much about bridges, so I have to figure out the best ways to add support to my strange constructions with the materials the game provided me. I still dont quite know how to use cables to my advantage in the game. Through the entire playthrough, I wished there was a tutorial with examples of what sort of bridges work and why.

[/caption]The music was actually fairly good. It was simple piano music that relaxed me as I patiently created my bridges. And considering how frustrating the trial and error experience was for me at times, the relaxing music helped considerably. As for the graphics, I never took much time to look at the surrounding of the bridges (I was too focused on building). But if someone takes the time to look, the landscapes around the bridges are quite good (and I believe the sky comes from actual pictures of the sky). The water movement is a bit weird though.

While I wasn't a big fan of the interface and menus, it was bearable until I noticed a problem. There's no way to individually remove pieces of the bridge. Players can either use the undo button to remove the last placed piece until they reach the piece they want to remove (then rebuilt) or scrap the entire bridge. The game needs and erase button where players can tap on the button then the piece they want to remove.

$2.99 is a high price for a game on the App Store (it shouldn't be, but that's what it's become). Bridge Constructor seems to fit more in a $0.99-$1.99 price range to me. While I've never played another app that compares to it, I simply didn't have $2.99 worth of fun (compared to other games of the same price). But for people interested in architecture and bridges, Bridge Constructor may be worth quite a bit more than that.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

iPad Screenshots

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